Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Pizza with Tomato and Mozzarella

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Italian pizza baked in the oven with fresh tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, delivering a perfect balance of tangy and creamy textures. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough, olive oil, crushed canned tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 475°F and dust a pizza stone or baking sheet with 1 tbsp cornmeal to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: On a floured surface, roll out 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 oz) into a 12-inch round and transfer it onto the prepared stone or sheet.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup crushed canned tomatoes, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp salt to create a simple tomato sauce.
  4. Step 4: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  5. Step 5: Arrange 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the pizza and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and scatter 6 fresh basil leaves on top before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Pizza with Tomato and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Pizza with Tomato and Mozzarella?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Pizza with Tomato and Mozzarella?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Pizza with Tomato and Mozzarella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Pizza with Tomato and Mozzarella vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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